Board told Samaritan Behavioral Health contract could expand services; district to use student-wellness funds and return with contract for approval

At a May work session, Trotwood-Madison City Schools administrators briefed the board on a proposed contract with Samaritan Behavioral Health to provide therapists and related services in district schools.

The contract packet attached to the agenda includes a maximum total cost figure for contracted services and shows reimbursement flows: Medicaid billing is expected to cover part of the providers' charges and the district would fund the remainder. Administration said the contract's maximum total is roughly $634,000 (total provider cost) and that the district has paid more than originally budgeted on behavioral supports this year (district spending for behavioral services this year was discussed at about $240,000 versus an initial plan near $160,000).

The administration described how meal-concession and other local revenue do not fund these services; instead, the district uses a mix of Medicaid reimbursement, grants and a student-wellness special revenue account. The district reported it began FY2025 with approximately $826,308 in the student-wellness and success fund and expects to have an additional $680,241 available for future use. Superintendent Howard said the district can apply student-wellness money to the Samaritan contract: "We can utilize the student wellness money, and we have over the last couple of years for that," he said, adding the district expects at least one more year of that funding.

Board members pressed for more detail on utilization, per-student counts and whether other local providers could deliver comparable services for less. Administration said staff asked for a comprehensive list of behavioral and contracted providers and for per-student service numbers; Miss Mallory prepared a multi-page summary of providers, services, and how contracts are funded. Administrators said the market for qualified intervention specialists and therapists is tight and that some vendors charge premium rates because district needs are acute and local workforce is limited.

No contract vote was taken at the work session; administration said it will bring the Samaritan contract to the board for action at the next regular meeting and will continue to identify funding sources, including student-wellness funds and Medicaid billing.